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United States
New York
Essex County

Giant Mountain Wilderness

Easy hikes and walks in Giant Mountain Wilderness

4.6

(50)

1,570

hikers

90

hikes

Easy hiking trails in Giant Mountain Wilderness traverse a landscape characterized by varied forest cover, including spruce-fir at higher elevations and deciduous trees at lower altitudes. The wilderness features numerous hills and lower mountain slopes, offering accessible paths through its natural environment. Water features such as ponds and brooks are present, contributing to the diverse terrain. The region provides a range of easy hiking options suitable for different preferences.

Best easy hiking trails in Giant Mountain Wilderness

  • The most popular easy hiking route is Baxter Mountain Trail, a 2.4 miles (3.9 km) trail that takes 1 hour 18 minutes to complete. This path offers a steady ascent to a viewpoint.
  • Another top favourite among local hikers is Phelps Trail, an easy 3.0 miles (4.8 km) path. This trail leads through woodlands with a moderate elevation gain.
  • Local hikers also love the Baxter Mountain Trailhead loop from Round Top, a 1.6 miles (2.6 km) trail leading through forested areas, often completed in about 52 minutes.
  • Hiking in Giant Mountain Wilderness is defined by forested hills, diverse vegetation, and accessible paths. The network offers options for different ability levels, focusing on easy hiking trails.
  • The routes in Giant Mountain Wilderness are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 40 reviews. More than 1,100 hikers have used komoot to explore Giant Mountain Wilderness's varied terrain.

Last updated: August 3, 2026

3.0

(1)

73

hikers

#1.

Baxter Mountain Trail

3.86km

01:18

200m

200m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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5.0

(2)

55

hikers

4.85km

01:27

230m

10m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

4

hikers

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

1.73km

00:28

40m

0m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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Tips from the Community

Zachary
September 6, 2023, The Garden Trailhead

The trailhead here fills up fast so it is best to come early! That said, the lot is fairly large and easy to get to. The Phelps Trail leads you on a gradual creek-side ascent to the Johns Brook Lodge. The Three Brothers Trail leads you up the mountains to a handful of peaks with sweeping view of the Adirondacks.

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Zachary
September 5, 2023, Big Crow Mountain

From the summit you get fantastic views south past the peak of Little Crow and the Gulf Brook tributary valley toward the High Peaks.

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Zachary
September 5, 2023, Big Crow Trailhead

The hike to Big Crow Mountain is quite popular and makes for a nice short hike. Those looking to adventure further can continue along the ridge to Little Crow or circumnavigate the valley via the Nun-Da-Ga-O Ridge loop. You can also hike south along the Gulf Brook Trail to Hurricane Mountain from here.

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Zachary
September 5, 2023, Gulf Brook Trailhead

The Gulf Brook Trail winds steadily through the forested foothills of the mountains at a gradual incline until you hit the trail junction. This is also a great trail for snowshoeing and winter hiking. From the parking lot you can also access the trail to Big Crow and Little Crow Mountain.

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Just east of the junction are campsites and a lean-to along Gulf Brook. This becomes the Soda Range Trail, which takes you past Lost Pond to Weston Mountain and Coal Dirt Hill. To the west you can follow the Gulf Brook Trail toward the Big Crow Mountain Trailhead, and to the south the trail ascends Hurricane Mountain to the fire tower.

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The Red Trail takes you along a flat trail toward Beede Road past Oak Hill. The Blue Trail leads up to the Baxter Mountain viewpoint and trailhead.

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The trailhead has roadside parking off of 9N. From here you can hike up to the summit of Baxter Mountain. The best views are from the rocky viewpoint just below the summit.

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Zachary
September 5, 2023, Baxter Mountain

The best views are from the rocky viewpoint about a half mile east of the summit. The trail markers up to the viewpoint are blue and turn yellow as you approach the summit.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many easy hiking trails can I find in Giant Mountain Wilderness?

The Giant Mountain Wilderness offers a selection of easy hiking trails, with 8 routes specifically categorized as easy. In total, the area features over 100 hiking routes across various difficulty levels.

What kind of terrain can I expect on easy hikes in Giant Mountain Wilderness?

Easy hikes in Giant Mountain Wilderness typically traverse forested hills and lower mountain slopes. You'll encounter diverse vegetation, including spruce-fir at higher elevations and deciduous trees like oak, maple, and basswood at lower altitudes. The paths are generally accessible, often leading through woodlands with moderate elevation gains.

Are there any easy circular routes in Giant Mountain Wilderness?

Yes, for an easy circular walk, consider the Baxter Mountain Trailhead loop from Round Top. This 1.6-mile (2.6 km) trail leads through forested areas and can typically be completed in under an hour.

What are some notable natural features or viewpoints I can see on easy trails?

While many easy trails focus on woodland experiences, some offer access to scenic spots. You might encounter water features like ponds and brooks. For a specific viewpoint, the Baxter Mountain Trail offers a steady ascent to a rewarding vista. Additionally, the region is home to Roaring Brook Falls, which is visible from Route 73, and Owl's Head Lookout provides scenic views into the valley.

Are the easy hiking trails in Giant Mountain Wilderness suitable for families?

Yes, many of the easy trails are suitable for families. Routes like Big Crow Mountain Trail, at just over 1 km, offer shorter, manageable distances. The varied forest cover and accessible paths provide a pleasant outdoor experience for different age groups.

What do other hikers say about the easy trails in Giant Mountain Wilderness?

The hiking routes in Giant Mountain Wilderness are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 40 reviews. Hikers often praise the well-maintained paths and the tranquil experience of walking through the diverse woodlands.

Are there any less crowded easy hiking options in the area?

For a potentially quieter experience, consider trails that are slightly less frequented than the most popular ones. The Gulf Brook Trail is a shorter, easy option that offers a peaceful walk through the wilderness.

What is the typical duration for an easy hike in Giant Mountain Wilderness?

The duration for easy hikes varies, but many can be completed in a relatively short time. For example, the Baxter Mountain Trail typically takes about 1 hour and 18 minutes, while the Big Crow Mountain Trail can be done in under 30 minutes.

Is there parking available near the trailheads for easy hikes?

Parking is generally available at designated trailheads throughout the Giant Mountain Wilderness. Specific parking information for each route can often be found on the individual tour pages, such as for the Phelps Trail.

What is the best time of year to go on an easy hike in Giant Mountain Wilderness?

The Giant Mountain Wilderness offers pleasant hiking conditions through much of the year. Spring and fall provide vibrant foliage and cooler temperatures, while summer allows for lush greenery. Always check local weather conditions before heading out, as higher elevations can experience different weather patterns.

Can I bring my dog on the easy hiking trails?

Many trails in the Adirondack Park, including those in the Giant Mountain Wilderness, are dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept on a leash. It's always recommended to check specific trail regulations before you go, but generally, well-behaved dogs are welcome on these easy paths.

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